New Testament

Revelation 11:9

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 11:9, the scene depicts a powerful moment where the bodies of two witnesses, who have been killed for their testimony, lie in the streets.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

For three and a half days, people from every nation, tribe, language, and ethnic group will look at their dead bodies and will not allow them to be buried.

KJVKing James Version

And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 11:9, the scene depicts a powerful moment where the bodies of two witnesses, who have been killed for their testimony, lie in the streets. For three and a half days, people from all over the world will gaze upon them, symbolizing the global attention and disdain for these witnesses. The refusal to bury the bodies signifies a deep disrespect and a desire to publicly shame them. This event highlights the intense opposition faced by those who stand for truth and righteousness, as well as the eventual vindication that follows. The imagery serves to illustrate the spiritual battle between good and evil, where the witnesses' death is celebrated by their enemies, yet it foreshadows their resurrection and ultimate victory. This passage emphasizes the idea that even in death, the faithful will not be forgotten, and their message will continue to resonate, challenging the world to recognize the truth they proclaimed.

Key themes

Resurrection

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 11:9 to your life

This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing opposition or ridicule. It reminds us that our witness can have a lasting impact, and that God honors those who stand for truth, even in difficult circumstances.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 11:9 mean?

Revelation 11:9 describes a scene where the bodies of two witnesses lie in the streets for three and a half days, attracting attention from people worldwide. This symbolizes the global disdain for these witnesses who were killed for their testimony, highlighting the opposition faced by those who stand for truth.

What is the significance of the three and a half days in Revelation 11:9?

The three and a half days in Revelation 11:9 represents a limited period of time during which the witnesses are publicly shamed and disrespected. This timeframe emphasizes the temporary nature of their defeat before their eventual resurrection and victory.

Who are the witnesses mentioned in Revelation 11:9?

The witnesses in Revelation 11:9 are two figures who testify to God's truth and face persecution for their message. Their deaths and the subsequent events highlight the spiritual battle between good and evil.

What themes are present in Revelation 11:9?

Revelation 11:9 presents themes of witness, global attention, opposition to truth, disrespect for the faithful, resurrection, and victory over evil. These themes emphasize the challenges faced by believers and the hope of vindication.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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